Springfield to Consider Changing Anti-Panhandling Ordinance

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP)–A federal appeals court has ruled that regulations in Springfield banning panhandling are unconstitutional, reversing a decision that upheld the city’s panhandling ordinance.
On Friday, a three-judge panel applied a U.S. Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Gilbert to the Springfield case. City officials now have the option of appealing the ruling or changing the ordinance to comply with standards in the Reed case, which doesn’t prohibit signs requesting money or seeking donations.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reports that at least one Springfield alderman wants the city to appeal the decision.

Ward 8 Ald. Kris Theilen says Springfield’s ordinance is different than the one contested in the federal case. He says Springfield’s ordinance bans approach and aggressive panhandling, rather than signs.

A Springfield official says the city’s legal department is analyzing the ruling.

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